Fire Awareness Drive

As part of an ongoing fire prevention and safety awareness drive, the Fire Service installed free working smoke detectors in a number of homes on both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The recipients were five senior citizens, including home-bounds, in each of the six districts of the Cayman Islands, including 103-year-old Ms Lillian E. Pearson of George Town.

Fire Service officers either installed new smoke detectors or replaced spent batteries and ensured the existing detectors remain in good working condition, explained Acting Senior Divisional Officer in the Fire Prevention Unit, Mr. Brevon Elliott. The devices were purchased by the officers themselves from a charity fund and generously donated as part of their service to the community.

Mr. Elliott underscored the importance of all ensuring that smoke detectors are kept in good working condition. Not only is it the law but a properly working smoke detector could mean the difference between life and death, he cautioned.

People tend to forget replacing dead batteries in smoke detectors or keep them in working order. Worse, some disable them worried they will go off each time they cook.

Generally, smoke detectors are installed 10 feet away from kitchens to prevent them going off unnecessarily. But when fire accidents occur in the kitchen, they will go off. "Remember, smoke detectors are the first line of defence should a fire start in your home. They should not be tampered with but remain, at all times, in good working order," Mr. Elliott reiterated.

"We will continue to promote different aspects of fire prevention during each quarter of this year," Mr. Elliott added. "As we know all too well, a little prevention goes a long way."